Hoffer (history, U. of Georgia) approaches the Salem witch trials as a legal and social historian, looking at the phenomenon in light of recent studies of panic rumors, teen hysteria, child abuse, and intrafamily relations, and detailing the event in a narrative style. Includes an appendix on the origins of Tituba, the original "witch" in the trials. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Hoffer offers another analysis of early New England's saddest event. The book is largely a discussion of the event's participants: Tituba, whose slave magic started the frenzy; Samuel Parris, the new minister who fell afoul of local factionalism; the adolescent girls whose psyches were central to the charges of witchcraft; and the ministers and judges who presided over the convictions of the innocent. It is a well-told tale, exhaustively researched, and adhering to the known facts, but with interesting and balanced conjecture about such things as Tibuba's African origins, the role of repressed memory in child abuse, and the power of judicial and ministerial authority. Indeed, the author makes his most thoughtful contributions in the legal aspects of evidence and trial procedure. Although Hoffer may not offer much new information regarding the Salem witches, he has repackaged it with intelligence, creativity, and style. Highly recommended for all levels. H. R. King Eastern Michigan University From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Peter Charles Hoffer is Research Professor of History at the University of Georgia Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Preface	p. xi
Acknowledgments	p. xix
Prologue: Tituba	p. 1
Chapter 1 Samuel Parris	p. 17
Chapter 2 Salem Village	p. 39
Chapter 3 Witchcakes	p. 60
Chapter 4 Betty's People	p. 82
Chapter 5 Accusations and Confessions	p. 102
Chapter 6 The Diviners	p. 131
Chapter 7 Trials	p. 154
Chapter 8 Pardon	p. 179
Conclusion	p. 199
Appendix What's in a Name?
Tituba's Origins	p. 205
Notes	p. 211
Index	p. 271

Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.